- Orthopedics, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogInjuries and a lifetime of high-impact sports have left Doug Herman, 58, with significant knee damage and arthritis. Yet this competitive athlete maintains peak performance by varying his exercise routine and working closely with the orthopedic specialists at Anne Arundel Medical Center to help protect and preserve his knees. “I’ve been exercising my entire life. I’ve got to stay in motion,” he says. Whether you’re an older weekend warrior or a young competitive athlete, the earlier you take steps to protect your joint health, the longer you can continue to participate in the activities you love. Doug was a young surfer and water skier in the 1970s when he faced his first knee surgery to repair a torn ACL, leaving him vulnerable to arthritis. When doctors suggested that he pursue a less risky activity, he chose competitive running. But 15 years of continuous training and many marathons later, he was in trouble. “My orthopedist advised me to stop running to save my knees,” he says. That’s when Doug switched to competitive cycling, a low-impact sport that puts much less pressure on lower body joints than running. That’s also when he learned the benefits of cross-training, a strategy that alternates high- and low-impact activities. Highs and Lows High-impact exercises should be done in moderation, and include activities with sustained periods of running, jumping or lifting heavy weights. Low-impact exercises include walking, swimming, biking, light resistance work with exercise bands, some forms of dance, yoga and Pilates. Mix It Up “Regular exercise protects joints by strengthening the surrounding muscles and keeping bones strong, but sustained, high-impact exercise can place extreme impact on joints over the long term,” says Daniel Redziniak, MD, an AAMC board-certified orthopedist who specializes in sports medicine. “For example, when one leg hits the ground during a run, five times your body weight is translated across the knee joint, leading to wear.” Cross-training can protect joint health in people of all ages and all activity levels by allowing time for the joints to recover from this stress, he says. It should include low-impact activities; exercises that strengthen the “core” area, which includes abdominal and back muscles; and a regular regimen of stretching to help joint-supporting tendons, ligaments and muscles stay limber, says Dr. Redziniak. This whole-body approach can help prevent not only common knee and hip problems, but also lower back pain, rotator cuff injuries of the shoulder, and a multitude of other bone and joint injuries, he adds. “I now alternate my cycling sessions with swimming and core strengthening. And, I’m more careful with my weightlifting routine, using proper posture and limiting my time,” says Doug. “I feel stronger all the way around.” Arthritis Options Doug has also benefitted from orthopedic intervention to manage his arthritis symptoms. According to Dr. Redziniak, people with arthritis can help prolong the life of their joints and remain active by: Maintaining a healthy weight. Using ice and anti-inflammatory medication. Bracing joints for strenuous activities. Those who need additional relief may benefit from therapies, including: Cortisone shots directly into the affected joints for extended pain relief. Viscosupplementation shots, which may help lubricate the affected joint for periods of up to six months. Doug currently uses anti-inflammatory medications and viscosupplementation injections. Due to his careful arthritis management and the switch to cross-training, his doctors say he’ll likely avoid joint replacement surgery for up to a decade longer. Doug doesn’t plan to let the inevitable surgery stop him. In fact, many people with artificial knee and hip joints can continue high-performance, competitive activities as long as they protect the new joints, says Dr. Redziniak. Doug’s got an advantage: He now knows exactly how to do that. Learn more about The Joint Center at AAMC, which performs more joint replacements than any other hospital in Maryland. Read more about how to protect bones and joints at any age. Contributor Daniel Redziniak, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe’re excited to announce the opening of our new care facility to help meet mental health needs of Anne Arundel County residents and residents of surrounding communities. Our Psychiatric Day Hospital is an intensive daytime treatment program providing clinical, diagnostic and mental health treatment services for adults and adolescents (13 and up). The program is designed for patients who are either transitioning from inpatient care or need help stabilizing a condition in order to prevent hospitalization. “Expanding access to mental health services is a top priority for Anne Arundel Medical Center,” said Dawn Hurley, executive director of behavioral health at AAMC. “The addition of AAMC Psychiatric Day Hospital to our growing list of mental health services is another step in our efforts to offer comprehensive care to help meet a critically important community need. Patients will receive quality care from our multidisciplinary team of specialists in a safe, secure setting.” The AAMC Psychiatric Day Hospital is located at 132 Holiday Court, Suite #209, Annapolis, MD. Treatments offered include: Mental health and medical evaluation Group psychotherapy Family evaluation and therapy School-based on-site tutoring Art/activity therapy Goal setting/skills development 24/7 emergency coverage for enrolled patients Patients must be referred into the AAMC Psychiatric Day Hospital by a physician. If you think you or a loved one may be a candidate for these services, please speak with your doctor. If you need a doctor who specializes in mental health, please contact AAMG Mental Health Specialists at 410-573-9000.
- News & Press Releases, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnnapolis Cardiology Consultants has joined Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG), a multi-specialty physician group that is part of Anne Arundel Medical Center. Annapolis Cardiology Consultants will work in partnership with the doctors of AAMG Cardiology Specialists. AAMG’s heart care network now includes eight doctors at two locations, all supported by specially trained staff and backed by Anne Arundel Medical Center’s award-winning cardiac care. “The talented team at Annapolis Cardiology Consultants has cared for this community for over a decade, and we’re pleased to welcome them into AAMG,” said Steve Clarke, vice president of Physician Services at Anne Arundel Medical Center. “This partnership allows us to continue to meet the growing heart care needs of our community and offer patients convenient access to our cardiologists.” Appointments are available for patients within 48 hours. The AAMG heart care network includes: AAMG Annapolis Cardiology Consultants: Dr. Ingo Ender Dr. Boaz Rosen Dr. Sadia Shafi AAMG Cardiology Specialists: Dr. Jennifer Brady Dr. Baran Kilical Dr. Salvatore Lauria Dr. Elizabeth Reineck Dr. Jerome Segal Annapolis Cardiology Consultants will continue to see patients at their location on Anne Arundel Medical Center’s campus at 2002 Medical Parkway, Suite 310 in Annapolis. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 410-224-0040 or visit AnnapolisHeart.com. Anne Arundel Medical Center is committed to providing comprehensive heart care services for the community it serves. In 2015, the medical center filed a Certificate of Need (CON) application with the Maryland Health Care Commission to gain approval to develop a cardiac surgery program. If approved, the cardiac surgery program will be the first in Anne Arundel County. For more information, visit askAAMC.org/heart.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has been named one of the nation’s Most Wired® healthcare organizations for the seventh year. This designation recognizes our use of technology to create a better patient experience. We were recognized for our use of technologies, such as electronic medical record tools that assist physicians, nurses, and patients communicating efficiently. This system includes a patient portal called MyChart that enables patients anytime online access to review their medical information, contact their doctor’s office with questions and request appointments and medication refills. “Anne Arundel Medical Center is committed to providing the best possible patient experience,” said Barbara Baldwin, AAMC chief information officer. “We are constantly engaged in ways to improve care delivery efficiency and creating a new dynamic in patient interactions through technology use. We are honored to be recognized for our efforts and proud to be named as a Most Wired healthcare organization for the seventh time.” Conducted by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Forum, the annual Most Wired survey is designed to measure the level of information technology (IT) adoption in U.S. hospitals and health systems. To achieve Most Wired designation, hospitals must continue to advance and improve their use of new technology. As one of 364 Most Wired healthcare organizations nationwide, we have stayed ahead of the curve in maintaining security; improving inter-hospital communication and records sharing; and using patient portals to get patients actively involved in their health and healthcare. “Hospitals are breaking out of their traditional four walls and providing care where and when patients need it,” said Rick Pollack, AHA president and CEO. “These Most Wired hospitals exemplify this transformation by harnessing technology, engaging patients and offering services remotely. And, removing policy and other barriers to telehealth will allow even faster adoption of these amazing technologies.” The Most Wired survey is published annually by Hospitals & Health Networks (H&HN).
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCaring for patients happens many different ways at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) — preparing meal trays, guiding patients to appointments, keeping areas clean and sanitary, and maintaining a comfortable room temperature. We take pride in knowing that every employee, from every department, is essential in creating an excellent patient experience for everyone who walks through our doors. We value the work of each employee, because providing excellent care to you and your loved ones is a team effort.
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